Player Identification
Duke Banta
Detroit Catholic Central High School | Novi, Michigan
Position: Quarterback
Class: 2027
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 200 lbs
Jersey Number: 7
Film: http://www.hudl.com/v/2TJ7JM
dukebanta7
Athletic Profile
Duke Banta is a well balanced quarterback with a strong blend of mobility, speed, and functional athletic traits that translate into consistent playmaking ability. His frame is proportional and projects well long term, giving him the physical foundation to continue developing into a higher level quarterback prospect.
He shows a natural ability to create both as a passer and runner, using acceleration and balance to extend plays and generate first downs when structure breaks down. His athletic profile stands out due to the combination of movement efficiency and deep ball ability, a pairing that is not commonly found at the high school level.
Quarterback Evaluation
Movement Skills
Banta displays strong acceleration and fluid movement skills that allow him to escape pressure and extend plays. His change of direction ability is a key part of his game, helping him navigate congested pockets and avoid pressure while keeping plays alive. He consistently turns broken structure into positive yardage.
Physicality
He is more of an avoidance based runner than a physical one, showing a tendency to slide or get down to protect himself rather than absorb contact. While this limits physical punishment, it also reflects a smart approach to injury prevention and long term durability.
Football Intelligence
Banta demonstrates strong blitz recognition and situational awareness. He processes defensive pressure effectively and generally avoids turnover worthy throws. He shows discipline in when to throw the ball away or target his intended receiver, though there are occasional lapses where he forces throws into crowded coverage.
Strengths
Strong deep ball accuracy and vertical passing ability
Effective throwing on the run
Good acceleration and open field speed
Strong awareness against blitz pressure
Play extension ability outside structure
Areas for Development
More consistent pocket presence and internal timing
Improved willingness to take checkdowns when available
Reduce turnover risk when facing disguised coverage
Intangibles
Banta plays with an above average motor that elevates in high pressure situations. While he can appear controlled and effortless at times, his competitiveness becomes more evident when defenses increase pressure. He shows a strong drive to extend plays and compete on every snap.
Overall Evaluation
Duke Banta is a proportional, athletic quarterback with strong arm talent, mobility, and deep ball accuracy who projects as a high upside developmental passer. With continued refinement in decision making and pocket consistency, he has long term starter potential at the Power 4 level following mid major development.
Scout: Kyle Thibideau
Region: Michigan
Date: May 12, 2026
Leave a Reply